Best Buy’s Geek Squad Academy launches new online learning program
Best Buy’s Geek Squad Academy launches new online learning program
Free courses for youth ages 10-16 cover a variety of STEM topics
(Burnaby, B.C.) May 4, 2020 – Best Buy Canada is taking its popular Geek Squad Academy courses online to help meet the need for engaging home learning resources. Available for free through the Best Buy Canada website, Geek Squad Academy Online Learning provides courses designed to get young Canadians excited about technology and enhance their skills.
The four online courses, created for learners ages 10-16, are Picture Perfect (Digital Photography), Web Know-How (HTML Basics), Binary Coding and Game Development with Godot.
Each course is 55-75 minutes long and offered in shorter modules so students can learn at their own pace. All content is designed to be accessible for a wide range of abilities and learning styles. Teachers, parents and guardians are encouraged to take part as well.
In its original form, Geek Squad Academy partners with local non-profit organizations and schools to teach students about STEM topics in a fun, interactive environment. Camps are led by Geek Squad Agents and Best Buy Blue Shirts, who share their love of technology.
H.A. Halbert Junior Public School in Toronto took part in a Geek Squad Academy session last spring. Principal Karlo Cabrera is excited to see the program’s expansion to online learning.
“This is an amazing tool for educators, students and families wishing to learn more about STEM, robotics, critical thinking, language and coding,” he says. “These activities and the skills learned in them draw upon some of the global competencies that we focus on in the TDSB such as creativity, innovativeness, problem solving, collaboration and communication.”
The expansion of Geek Squad Academy to online learning was a natural evolution of a proven successful program, according to Jen Knight, Social Impact Specialist at Best Buy Canada.
“The events of the past few months have highlighted the importance of technology in our lives – to connect, entertain and educate,” she says. “A growing number of Canada’s top jobs require technology skills. Programs like Geek Squad Academy Online Learning provide excellent avenues for youth to learn and enhance their technology skills in an increasingly tech-centric world.”
Best Buy Canada focuses its social impact on supporting youth to connect with technology to inspire, motivate and empower their education. To access courses, visit www.bestbuy.ca/geeksquadacademyonline.
About Geek Squad Academy
Now in its fifth year, Geek Squad Academy partners with non-profit organizations and schools who share our mission of opening doors, because we believe that together we can make a positive impact on today’s youth. Camps offer fun and interactive programming for youth to explore the latest and greatest in technology through guided, hands-on experience. New online learning programs for learners ages 10-16 are available for free online. Learn more at bestbuy.ca/geeksquadacademy.
For further information and interview requests, please contact:
Anjee Gill
P: 604-809-3416